Eli was diagnosed with Pearson Syndrome -- a rare mitochondrial disease that develops into Kearns-Sayre Syndrome in children who survive infancy -- when he was one year old, and his parents were told his life expectancy was between three and five years. Today, the disease affects Eli's vision, hearing, cognitive function, muscular function, mobility and cardiac conduction."

Eli, in his wheelchair, was pushed toward the end zone, scoring six for Huntington High School in its game against Smithtown West (and recording yet another amazing and unlikely touchdown for a teen).

Eli's mother, Ellen, was moved by the moment and said she is touched how Eli's resilience has affected others. "It's overwhelming when people come up to me, who I've never met before, and tell me a story about how Eli has affected them and given them strength," she said.